A MAN who has dedicated his life to safeguarding the rights of prisoners and prison staff today spoke of his delight at being awarded an MBE.

Malcolm Smith, 58, of the Independent Monitoring Board, was honoured for his service to HM prisons in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The former chairman of Lancaster's Castle prison, who started a career in the criminal justice system 20 years ago on the management committee for Blackburn bail hostel, said the service has seen a turn around since the "treadmill of our forefathers".

Today the father-of-one from Blackburn described the news, which came days before his birthday, as a "bombshell".

"The attitude towards prisoners used to be one of punishment," he said. "Now it is about change and resettlement and releasing people back into society to be law abiding citizens.

"There is little or no credit given to people working in the prison service which is why I am very honoured by the MBE.

"Our job is to go into prison independently and look at the fabric of the building, the safety of staff and the well-being of inmates. I am appointed directly by the Home Office.

"There is a certain intrigue about the prison service and it is definitely something that runs in my blood.

"I am not noted for letting things drop and it has been an absolute shock. But I thank the people who nominated me as part of this dedicated team."

Hospital bosses have praised the work of a senior midwife who was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Pauline Quinn, of Cliffe Park, Great Harwood, was given the OBE for work in charge of midwifery at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn, where she has worked for the last 13 years.

Her boss, John Thomas, chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said,: "I am delighted that Pauline has been awarded the OBE.

"She has made a major contribution to the development of local health services. Her leadership of local maternity services has been recognized nationally.

"The service, based on integrated midwifery teams, is one of the best in the country and has been awarded a charter mark.

"This honour is very well deserved and recognises the excellent services which Pauline and her team provide to people in East Lancashire."

Pauline will appear before a trust board meeting tomorrow to receive congratulations from board members.